Well this is my first post outside of the newbie forum and I'm wondering if you can help me with the tricky decision of choosing a first kilt.

I've been taking a long look around at the different websites and galleries and after trying to create a short list have decided I like UK, PK, Freedom, Bear and USA. The reasons being:

-Budget- I'd like to keep the cost around the $150 mark.

-Reputation- These guys all seem to get good reviews.

-Style- I'm not a camo guy, I like some tartans but have no celtic heritage, I like the general idea of MUG's and casual wearing. After looking around at kilt styles I think I prefer the kilts with more numerous, smaller pleats. Each of these vendors also seem to have a distinctive style to their kilts.

Now, one thing I was wondering was if anyone can help me out with these different vendors, and the 'intangible' or 'unseen' aspects to their kilts. That is, the distinctives that set these kilts/vendors apart from one another.

I never thought buying a piece of clothing could be so difficult!